Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary, hospital in Maine, United States
The Maine Eye and Ear Infirmary is a former hospital in Portland, Maine, built in 1891 and now used as residential space. The six-story brick structure with stone trim shows a blend of Romanesque and Colonial Revival elements, with large windows and a distinctive arched entryway on Bramhall Street.
The Infirmary was founded in 1886 by Dr. Erastus Eugene Holt as one of the nation's first eye and ear specialty clinics. The building became part of Maine Medical Center in 1951, continued serving medical purposes until 1980, and was converted to residential housing in 1997.
The building was originally called Holt Hall after its founder Dr. Erastus Eugene Holt, who established one of the nation's first specialized eye and ear facilities in 1886. Visitors can still see the sturdy brick and stone details on the facade that speak to an era when specialty hospitals were new to communities.
The building stands at the corner of Congress and Bramhall Streets in Portland's West End and is easily accessible on foot. Since it now functions as residential housing, visitors can only view the exterior and appreciate the historic architecture from the street.
Architect John Calvin Stevens designed the building in 1891 with a mix of Romanesque and Colonial Revival styles, an unusual combination at the time. His son later assisted with an expansion in 1916, showing how the site's architecture grew over decades.
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